National Museum of Iceland

National museum · Reykjavik

National Museum of Iceland

National museum · Reykjavik

Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland

Highlights

Museum of Iceland's history, Vikings, sagas, settlement to present

Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland Get directions

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@thjodminjasafn

@travelleisure

25 Best Things to Do in Iceland

"This museum showcases paintings, statues, and other artifacts from Iceland’s storied past. It’s located within walking distance from Reykjavik's center and is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or lazy afternoon in the city." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-things-to-do-in-iceland-7965359

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@afar

"Vikings and Sagas! The National Museum of Iceland is a great spot to find out about the nation's fascinating past. The permanent exhibition stretches right back to the first settlement and comes up to the present day, and contains some 2,000 objects plus around 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. Displayed chronologically, the exhibit starts with replicas of the ships that the settlers arrived in and ends, with a modern flourish, with Keflavik airport—which lets in people every day from all across the globe."

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Claudia Sundman

Google

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum! Lots and lots of exhibits with great explanations. I was particularly interested in the settlement era. There was a lot of great stuff about that, as well as the switch to Christianity from paganism. I am disabled. The museum was accessible with accessible bathrooms. It is also FREE for disabled people, but you have to ask. They don't seem to offer the free pass, no matter how disabled you look!

Rolin Meyer

Google

Conveniently located in town and packed with historical information and interesting artifacts with detailed information about each, it’s a worthwhile couple hours during your stay. We booked tickets in advance for convenience and could use them any time. The snack area was reasonably stocked for quick refreshments.

Irene Altavilla

Google

I think Iceland is such a historically, socially, politically and demographically interesting and unique country that missing out on it and only looking at nature doesn’t do it justice! In an 8 day trip this is the only museum I chose to go to and I’m perfectly happy with it. I did spend 5 hours in it, all there is is very relevant - and well curated. And the RAINBOW THREAD that accompanies many parts of the exhibit is just an excellent and super timely and relevant light shed on history in relation to gender and queer theory. Kudos

Aly Hassan

Google

A good start to learn about the history of Iceland! Expect spending two hours at least to cover the different exhibits ! There is a a coffee in the museum , don't expect lunch menu there ! There is a bus stop just next to the museum

C Neon

Google

This is a museum of the history of Iceland mainly from a religious perspective. There are almost 2 floors of deity displays, everything from crosses, to things related to the church. There is a nice display of the ships from the crossing and a fisherman's life. Overall, a good visit to learn about Iceland.

Daniel D. Reimer

Google

Decent museum which gives you a good overview of Iceland's history. I guess I would have wanted to know more about British occupation in WWII.

Brad

Google

The National Museum of Iceland is located along Suðurgata street just to the east of Tjörnin Lake in the city centre. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily while entry price is 2500kr for adults, 1500kr for students. There are toilet facilities, cafe and gift shop within the museum as well. The National Museum was created in 1863 but only consolidated into one location in the 1940s after the establishment of an independent Iceland. Exhibitions are spread over two floors and can be visited in chronological manner starting with artefacts and exhibits related to the original settlements in Iceland by Norseman in the 9th-century and eventually working through the centuries until the very interesting 20th-century exhibits on the upper floor which highlight and help explain how events unfolded leading to Iceland's independence and self determination as a nation. We felt the museum was well curated with enough displays and information to appease museum novices and buffs alike. It was a good representation of how Iceland was shaped over the centuries. Worth the time to visit to learn and understand a bit about why Iceland is the way it is.

Bogdan Tasnadi

Google

Great museum, showcasing life in Iceland, starting with the first Viking settlers.